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check it, and an attempt to do so in the state of wild excite- -ment which prevailed would probably have converted a thoroughly good-humoured and peaceable demonstration into riots end blood- -shed. I therefore gave orders at once that no such attempt should be made, but that extra Police patrols should traverse the streets and see that no disturbance took place. I remained myself in communication with the Police the whole evening by telephone and I was prepared to call out a Kilitary patrol at a moment's notice should occasion arise. Beyond a somewhat rough demonstration against the one loyalist Chinese newspaper no
disturbance took place.
During these last weeks great efforts were,
I believe, being made by the merchant class in Canton to effect a peaceful change of Government and I hear that the Viceroy's emissary constantly visited Hongkong to confer with an ex- -official who was believed to be in touch with the revolution- -aries. It is said that everyone was anxious that the Viceroy would retain control of the Government, but on the 9th. instant
Enclosure 27
I received telegrams (copies attached) from the Consul-General at Canton informing me that the Viceroy had fled for safety to the British Consulate, and Mr. Jamieson was sending him to Hone- -kong in H. M. S. "Handy". He arrived here in a state of complete collapse and took up his residence in a house placed at his disposal by the Manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. I sent my hide-de-Camp on board to assure him of protection, and as there was a meeting of the Legislative Council that afternoon I took occasion to appeal to the Chinese community to treat him as a guest in distress who sought the protection of the British flag. I also took Police precautions. I am informed by the Chinese Mombers of the Legislative Council that this appeal had a great effect. Early next morning posters were issued by Chinese informing the community of my wishes, and that no affront must be offered to the ex-Viceroy. During his stay here he remained unmolested in any way. He left for Shanhai on 17th. The day after his arrival he lunched with me,
and